6 reasons why college soccer players should study for an international master’s degree in the U.K.

So, you’re graduating this year. Congratulations! But what’s next? You’ve played college soccer for the past 4 years and you loved it, you’ve improved and developed into quite the talented player.

But now, you’re not eligible to play anymore. Seemingly, there’s nothing you can do – you have to hang up the cleats, get a job or study for a masters degree and leave the competitive thrill of college soccer behind.

Yet, you can’t imagine life without it.

You know you’ll yearn for the camaraderie, the commitment to something difficult and the pride of representing your college through soccer.

Well, what if you could study for a masters degree and continue to play college soccer?

Why choose?

Now, it must be noted, we’re admirable of the way the NCAA structure the college sports system. It produced incredibly successful and famous U.S. soccer players.

In addition, it’s great that the NCAA is encouraging student-athletes to respect the importance of good academic performance through their three-measure tracking system of grades, credit hours and progress toward their degree.

However, it’s a crying shame that those who wish to pursue a master’s degree must sacrifice their passion to represent their college in soccer. Luckily, soccer players can study for an international masters degree in the U.K. and continue to represent their college through soccer.

“But what are the benefits of an international master’s degree for a college soccer player?“

There are many benefits! Here are some of the key reasons to study for an international master’s degree as a soccer player:

1. Get an edge on the competition

Let’s face it, getting a job out of college is tough.

That may explain why 4 out of 5 U.S. college graduates leave college without a job. Whereas those that have proudly earned a masters tend to go on to get the job they want and earn up to 70% more over the course of their career than their counterparts with only an undergraduate degree. Whilst money isn’t everything, it’s certainly nice to be rewarded for your hard work.

2. Carry on playing college soccer

Why should you have to stop playing college soccer and sacrifice the benefits of an integrated academic and soccer programme just because you want a masters degree?

(Hint: you don’t have too.)

The great framework that the NCAA run to ensure athletic and academic success is truly a triumph of the college sports system. Unfortunately, this isn’t extended to those who wish to earn a master’s degree in the U.S.

Fortunately, there is an opportunity to do so in the U.K. whilst earning a U.S.-accredited degree. Because, well, why would you travel to the U.K. to earn a British degree you can’t use when you get home? In addition, you can play in the prestigious British Universities & College Sports (BUCS) leagues and in showcase games against academies across the U.K. and Europe.

3. Develop yourself culturally

Studying abroad is a great chance for you to differentiate yourself from other college graduates and masters students by gaining some experience of living in a different country and developing a global mindset.

Which, by the way, is an increasingly desirable character trait sought by many of today’s employers. Furthermore, as the world becomes smaller through technological advancements and cultures from across the globe are brought together, it’s becoming vitally important to develop your ability to work with peers from different cultures.

By studying an international master’s degree, you are exposed to academics who have different and interesting perspectives on topic areas. Allowing you to discuss new concepts and ideas, whilst challenging your assumptions. Furthermore, research suggests that U.S. employers consider American graduates who have studied in the U.K. to be more well-rounded, have stronger communication skills and a greater “cross-cultural understanding” than their counterparts who studied in the U.S.

5. Surround yourself with a network of pro clubs and industry giants

The U.K is home to some of the biggest and most diverse football (read: soccer) leagues on the planet, the Premier League and theFA Women’s Super League. Featuring some of the most successful teams in the world such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal.

In our opinion, not bad company to keep if you have an interest in soccer.

Also, the power of the sports industry in the U.K. cannot be underestimated. As of 2010, the sports industry generated an estimated £20.3 billion for the U.K. economy each year.

6. It’s (a lot) cheaper & quicker than studying a masters degree in the U.S.

Study for 1 year and spend less than $28,000 on your master’s degree and carry on playing high-level college soccer?

The answer seems obvious, right? In addition to only lasting for one year, master’s degree in the U.K. are considerably cheaper than those in the U.S. Meaning you’ll have more spare cash to explore the U.K. and Europe. Or put into your savings, of course.

Grow academically & grow athletically

So, there you have it.

Just a handful of reasons why studying for an international masters degree could be the perfect next step for soccer players graduating college this year. The good news is, there is hope for those who want to earn a master’s degree whilst continuing to play high-level soccer.

We are now offering a unique opportunity to talented male and female soccer players to study for a U.S.-accredited masters degree alongside an integrated, high-level soccer programme in London, U.K.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about theopportunities that are available for talented male and female soccer players, feel free to come and meet us at one of ourupcoming events in the U.S. at which you’ll be able to ask questions, train with our UEFA-licensed coaches and showcase your abilities.

Alternatively, feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we’ll be back to you within 24 hours.